Wonthaggi - Inverloch

Wonthaggi - Inverloch lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of February 2026, Wonthaggi-Inverloch's population is approximately 31,949, reflecting a 19.2% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 26,792. This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 28,799 in June 2024 and an additional 1,087 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 43 persons per square kilometer. Wonthaggi-Inverloch's growth rate exceeded that of both Victoria (8.1%) and the national average during this period. Interstate migration contributed approximately 88.3% of overall population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made through weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels.

Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future projections indicate exceptional growth, placing Wonthaggi-Inverloch in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, the population is expected to grow by 13,718 persons, reflecting a total increase of 33.1% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in Wonthaggi - Inverloch was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Wonthaggi-Inverloch averaged approximately 415 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. This totals 2077 homes approved during this period, with an additional 147 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each year sees around 1.9 new residents per dwelling constructed.

Commercial development approvals reached $167.2 million in the current financial year. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Wonthaggi-Inverloch shows elevated construction levels, at 36% above the regional average over the past five years. New developments primarily consist of standalone homes (95%) and medium-high density housing (5%). The area has around 91 people per dwelling approval, indicating a growing market.

Future projections estimate an addition of approximately 10,567 residents by 2041 in Wonthaggi-Inverloch. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potential growth opportunities.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 35 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan, Summerfields Estate, Northern Views Estate, and Powlett Ridge Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Wonthaggi - Inverloch has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Wonthaggi-Inverloch has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5%. As of September 2025, there were 12,819 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is 0.2% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was at 54.2%, lagging behind Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 18.2% of residents worked from home. The key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while manufacturing was under-represented at 5.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.5% alongside labour force increasing by 4.1%, leading to a unemployment fall of 0.4 percentage points. Rest of Vic., however, recorded an employment decline of 0.7%, labour force decline of 0.6%, and a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wonthaggi-Inverloch's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The median income among taxpayers in Wonthaggi-Inverloch SA2 was $45,791 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $57,424 during the same period. These figures were below those of Rest of Vic., which had median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income in Wonthaggi-Inverloch SA2 would be approximately $49,569, with an average income of around $62,161, based on an 8.25% increase since financial year 2023 as per the Wage Price Index growth. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Wonthaggi-Inverloch fell between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The $400-$799 earnings band comprised 27.0% of the community (8,626 individuals), unlike regional levels where the $1,500-$2,999 category was predominant at 30.3%. Post-housing, 85.8% of income remained in Wonthaggi-Inverloch, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Wonthaggi-Inverloch, as per the latest Census, 92.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wonthaggi-Inverloch stood at 49.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.1% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,467, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in the area was $298, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Wonthaggi-Inverloch's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,467 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were also lower at $298 against the national figure of $375.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.5% of all households, including 21.3% that are couples with children, 33.8% that are couples without children, and 9.6% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 20.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.4% and certificates make up 27.9%. A total of 24.2% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.3% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Wonthaggi-Inverloch has 134 active public transport stops served by 11 routes, offering 438 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 416 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward using cars (93%), while 4% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4. According to the 2021 Census, 18.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 62 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per stop.

The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Wonthaggi - Inverloch is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Wonthaggi-Inverloch faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~15,207 people), compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.6 and 9.3% of residents respectively, while 60.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.0% of residents aged 65 and over (9,258 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wonthaggi-Inverloch showed lower cultural diversity, with 84.7% born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 43.6%. Judaism's representation was slightly higher than average, at 0.1% compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (9.4%). Notably, Dutch (2.5%) and Italian (4.1%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.7% and 2.9%, respectively. Irish representation was slightly lower than average at 9.3% versus 9.7%.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wonthaggi-Inverloch has a median age of 50, which exceeds the Rest of Vic. figure of 43 and is also higher than the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 16.7%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s percentage, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 9.9%. This 65-74 concentration is greater than the national figure of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 10.4% to 11.5%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased from 11.8% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wonthaggi-Inverloch's age profile, with the 25-34 age group set to increase markedly by 1,936 people (62%), reaching a total of 5,071.